Russia has quietly placed its elite Su-57 stealth fighters—code-named “Felon” by NATO—into an operational unit stationed near the Chinese border. This marks the first time these cutting-edge jets have been assigned to a frontline regiment: the 23rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment based at Dzyomgi Air Base in Russia’s Far East.
So, what’s the big deal? For starters, this isn’t just a flashy move—these Su-57s are now being armed with hypersonic weapons, potentially the fearsome Zircon cruise missile, designed to travel at Mach 5+ speeds and dodge even top-tier air defenses.
Why that matters:
- A stealth jet that can punch hard from afar—combining surprise, speed, and firepower.
- With deliveries ramping up, Russia is rolling out more of these fighters, making them a lasting fixture in its air force.
- Dzyomgi is strategically placed near China, hinting at a broader goal: boosting regional deterrence in a storage area that blends frontline readiness and industrial support from adjoining Sukhoi factories.
Worth noting: There are still questions about how battle-ready these jets truly are. Production delays, engine performance concerns, and unclear combat usage mean it might be some time before they’re fully ready for action
Additional info:
- Su-57 at a Glance: Russia’s first operational stealth fighter, boasting super-maneuverability, internal weapon bays, advanced radar, and the ability to supercruise at Mach 1.3—no afterburner needed—making it one of the most dynamic airframes in its class.
- Building the Fleet: As of December 2023, about 32 Su-57s (including prototypes) were built, with production expanding into the mid-2020s. A contract signed in 2019 projected 76 jets to be delivered by 2027.
- Hypersonic Hitters: The rumored hypersonic missile for the Su-57 is likely an air-launched version of the Zircon—a radar-dodging, Mach 9+ weapon that has been showcased on Russian ships and subs.
- Modest Deployment So Far: Despite the hype, the Su-57 has been sparingly deployed in Syria and Ukraine. Reports suggest operational numbers remain low, with effectiveness still a subject of debate
